Free Care Fund: medical care for children in need

By Holly Hammersmith

For more than 125 years, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center) has been dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children through excellence in patient care, teaching and research. To ensure that all children receive the medical care they need, regardless of a family’s ability to pay, the Free Care Fund was established in 1946.

What The Free Care Fund does

Children’s Hospital is the only hospital in Western Pennsylvania dedicated solely to the care of infants, children, and young adults. From ambulatory care to transplantation and cardiac care, talented and committed pediatric experts care for infants, children and adolescents who make more than 1 million visits annually to Children’s Hospital, its many neighborhood locations, and Children’s Community Pediatrics practices. “When families come to Children’s Hospital with a sick or injured child, their only concern should be getting medical care for their child,” says Greg Barrett, president and chief development officer of Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation. “But, imagine when the cost exceeds a child’s insurance coverage – which frequently happens to children with chronic diseases – not to mention families that have no insurance. The Free Care Fund is often the solution to help these kids and their families.”

How it helps

“The Free Care Fund lets parents focus on getting their child better,” Barrett says. “And supporters like Huntington Bank play a key role in the success of the Free Care Fund.” In partnership with the Pitt Panthers, Huntington Bank donates $150 dollars for every single Panthers first down. “Last year, Huntington’s first down program contributed $40,000,” says Caitlin Hazelton, development coordinator for corporate and community giving at Children’s Hospital Foundation. Other fundraising efforts brought Huntington’s contribution to over $50,000 placing it on the Top 10 Donors list for the third straight year.

About the organization

Name: Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC Free Care FundWebsite:www.givetochildrens.orgCity: PittsburghPhone: (877) CHP-GIVEMission: The Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation exists to provide financial support for the hospital’s mission of excellence in patient care, teaching and research.

How you can help

To get involved with The Free Care Fund, contact Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation at (877) CHP-GIVE.